However, the Planning Inspectorate has determined this impact was outweighed by the need for more housing, and particularly affordable housing, and overturned the council's decision.

Of the 40 homes - a mix of one to four bedroom properties - 14 will be "affordable", offering both rental and shared ownership tenures. The company had previously been planning to build 50 homes on the site.

Treetops told SurreyLive in April 2017 that it was planning to relocate within the borough of Guildford, but Loxhill said it would only make plans to move once the application had been approved.

As part of its work on the site, CALA Homes plans to refurbish the listed Treetops Farm, restoring many of its original features.

The company will also pay £285,000 towards improving facilities in the area as part of a section 106 agreement.

Plans for the site in Old Portsmouth Road that were approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate (Image: CALA Homes)

Daniel Webber, land director for CALA Homes, said: "This is a site that CALA Homes has been championing for the last four years, so it's fantastic to finally get planning permission approved.

"We will now be bringing the development forward and expect to start work on site in early 2019.

"When complete, the development will cater for a range of house buyers, who will benefit from the best of both worls. The development is in a fantastic rural setting, with the River Wey and towpath on its doorstep, yet is closely located to the amenities of Guildford."